KOLKATA: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has lined up a joint recce of the abandoned Behala airfield and its neighbourhood with local political heavyweights to identify the areas where help will be required to convert it into a functional airport. AAI sources said the trip will be organised after the monsoon session of assembly concludes on September 2.
While AAI regional executive director Gautam Mukherjee will lead the technical team, Behala East MLA and Kolkata mayor Sovon Chatterjee, Behala West MLA and industries minister Partha Chatterjee and transport minister Subrata Bakshi are expected to represent the government during the inspection. The priority is to stop incursion into the airfield and demolition of tall structures that pose a hazard to flight safety. The air strip has been lying defunct for years and locals cut through the compound daily. Also, several highrises have sprung up around the airfield, violating height restrictions.
"Behala can easily become a low-cost regional airport with ATR and small chartered flights to neighbouring states and Northeast. But before that, we need to adhere to certain norms," Mukherjee said.
Three kilometers of the 5-km perimeter wall have been constructed but there are pockets of resistance from locals. The mayor and industries minister can play a crucial role in resolving the issue and the demolition of towers and buildings that violate the flight path rules.
The blueprint, submitted three months ago, wants the runway length to be increased from 3,100 ft to 4,600 ft. Also needed are apron for two aircraft, a terminal for 50-75 passengers, an administrative building and modernization of the control tower. "A team from the headquarters has conducted a survey and the chairman has agreed in principle to ATR operations. Once we can sort out the basic issues, the scope of work and cost estimate will be placed before the board for approval," an official said. The project may cost Rs 60-75 crore.
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